Vietnam’s maritime law enforcement proposals praised

Vietnam’s proposals in
enhancing maritime law enforcement cooperation were lauded by
participants at the third annual commanders’ forum of the Gulf of
Thailand that took place in the central city of Da Nang from January
14-16.

During the three-day forum on Maritime
Enforcement Interoperability Initiative , the Vietnam Marine Police
suggested that a joint commitment from all countries in the Gulf of
Thailand is necessary to serve as a legal framework for cooperation
and coordination in handling issues in the region.

Vietnam also recommended organising joint drills in law enforcement,
search and rescue and disaster response for law enforcement forces in
the Gulf of Thailand .

At the same time, the
host country said attentions should be paid to several other issues,
such as the building of regulations allowing the extradition of
criminals and law violators as well as the chasing of vessels violating
state sea territory.

In addition, Vietnam
suggested the involvement of other countries such as Indonesia ,
Singapore and the Philippines in the forum as observers.

According to the Vietnamese Marine Police, crime and law violation are
still rife in the Gulf of Thailand , with many cases of
cross-border trafficking, migration, drug transport, illegal fishing and
piracy.

Jointly organised by the Vietnamese Marine
Police and the US Embassy in Hanoi , the forum drew the participation
of the four member countries - Thailand , Malaysia , Cambodia and
Vietnam .

The event aims to review law enforcement
in marine security and see all parties exchange ideas based on their
experiences operating in the region.

The forum is
also a chance to consolidate mutual trust and consensus among countries
in the Gulf of Thailand in settling challenges in maritime security,
thus seeking measures to ensure continued peace and safety in the
region.-VNA